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In the space of just one month, life in Kent has changed dramatically.
From the closing of schools and non-essential businesses, to the mounting, unrelenting, pressure being applied to our NHS, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all walks of life.
As of 9am this morning (March 30), 368 people in the county have tested positive for the virus and at least 16 have died.
The first case in England was confirmed in Surrey on February 28 and it did not take long to reach Kent.
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Scroll down to see how it all unfolded day-by-day.
March 2
(Image: PA)
The first case of coronavirus in Kent is officially confirmed by the Government.
The person is a worker at an NHS office in Maidstone and is thought to have tested positive for the virus yesterday evening (March 1) before it was officially confirmed today.
Their office is based inside the Maidstone Studios building at Vinters Business Park off New Cut Road in Maidstone.
They had recently returned from a trip to Italy, which is Europe’s most heavily affected area by coronavirus with more than 2,000 confirmed cases and 52 deaths.
It’s understood that the person was in the building last week but was not there today.
This leads to a deep clean of the offices.
The total number of cases in the UK rises to 40.
Confirmed UK cases: 40
March 3
Pupils begin to self-isolate after reported contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus.
That includes Northfleet Technology College in Gravesend, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham and Canterbury Academy.
Shoppers respond to the outbreak by rushing to buy hand sanitiser.
Confirmed UK cases: 51
March 4
As the number of cases continue to rise across the country, the Department of Health says it will no longer announce new cases of coronavirus as they happen.
At Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, the children’s outpatient department closes for deep cleaning after a person presents with COVID-19 symptoms.
Events start to get cancelled as Hadlow College calls off its lambing weekend, which was planned for March 14 and 15.
The event usually draws crowds of up to 10,000 people.
Confirmed UK cases: 85
March 5
(Image: PA)
A woman in her 70s is the first confirmed fatality from COVID-19 in the UK.
People in Kent are reminded not to turn up at hospitals’ emergency departments if they suspect they have coronavirus.
Across the country there are now 90 confirmed cases and the risk to the public is now officially “moderate”.
Health experts have warned a “significant pandemic” could be just weeks away.
Hand sanitiser continues to sell out rapidly.
Confirmed UK cases: 114
March 6
A second case of coronavirus is confirmed in Kent.
Little is known about this case, other than they are linked to the first diagnosis.
Kent County Council confirms the two cases are linked but it is not clear if this patient is a relative, friend or co-worker of the first patient.
The Director of Public Health for Kent says “we should be calm and proportionate” in our planning and response.
Confirmed UK cases: 160
March 7
(Image: Google)
Two more cases are confirmed in Kent, bringing the total to four.
A Year 8 pupil at St John Fisher in Chatham is confirmed to be among them after a letter is sent out to parents.
The school announces a plan to close for a deep clean.
The exact whereabout of the other case is unknown but is believed to be in the Medway area.
Pictures emerge of ransacked supermarket shelves as panic buying increases.
Confirmed UK cases: 206
March 8
The number of confirmed cases rises to six.
Supermarkets like Tesco in Beckenham start applying common sense limits on products to stop prevent customers from bulk buying.
Schools, businesses and hospitals continue to be affected by the outbreak.
Confirmed UK cases: 271
March 9
(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
A Chatham GP surgery is forced to close as a patient turns up with possible coronavirus.
There are no new cases announced but a pupil at North School in Ashford is confirmed to be one of Kent’s existing six.
A member of staff at Astor College in Dover self-isolates after they take part in a group activity with a confirmed case.
Chatham’s St John Fisher School also announces it will close for a full week.
Confirmed UK cases: 321
March 10
The number of cases rises to seven.
Tesco announces it is sending out more vehicles than it does over the Christmas period to meet the current demand.
Services continue to adapt to the outbreak with Southeastern explaining how it is dealing with the spread of the virus.
There are also calls to temporarily shut down Kent County Council’s headquarters, Madistone County Hall.
Confirmed UK cases: 373
Confirmed UK deaths: 6
March 11
A pupil self-isolates at Chatham and Clarendon Grammar in Ramsgate after a parent is confirmed to have coronavirus.
The parent is thought to be one of the seven confirmed cases of coronavirus in Kent.
No new cases are confirmed in Kent.
Confirmed UK cases: 456
March 12
(Image: Matt Dunham/PA Wire)
Boris Johnson lays out new rules, saying those with mild symptoms should self-isolate for one week.
Four new cases are confirmed in Kent, bringing the total to 11.
A deep clean is carried out at an Ashford surgery after a staff member goes into self-isolation.
The effect on businesses becomes more into focus as shop owners on Canterbury high street speak out about the virus’ impact on them.
Confirmed UK cases: 590
Confirmed UK deaths: 12
March 13
(Image: Google Maps)
Two new cases are confirmed in Kent as the total rises to 13.
Cecil Road Primary and Nursery School in Gravesend closes over a suspected case.
Birchington Vale Holiday Park also confirms one visitor there has now tested positive.
Darent Valley Hospital restricts visitation to the maternity unit in order to shield patients from the spread of the virus.
At Dover Christ Church Academy, it is confirmed pupils with persistent coughs have gone into self-isolation.
In supermarkets, panic buying continues as Aldi puts up a notice lambasting shoppers for stealing hand wash from the toilet.
In London, a tube driver tests positive for the virus.
Reports emerge that mass gatherings might be banned from next week.
Confirmed UK cases: 797
March 14
No new cases are confirmed for Kent.
Some of those who have tested positive and then recovered from COVID-19 share their stories of what having the virus feels like.
Travel restrictions for holiday-makers grow increasingly stringent, while a Sevenoaks couple describe like in lockdown in Spain.
Confirmed UK cases: 1,061
Confirmed UK deaths: 21
March 15
Plans to shut pubs and restaurants to tackle the coronavirus pandemic are revealed in leaked government plans.
Medway NHS Trust begs thieves to stop stealing hand gel from the hospital, while supermarkets plead with shoppers to stop panic buying.
No new cases are confirmed in Kent once more.
Confirmed UK cases: 1,391
Confirmed UK deaths: 35
March 16
(Image: Getty Images)
Boris Johnson tells the public to avoid pubs, clubs and theatres, work from home where possible, and avoid all unnecessary travel.
If anyone in the household develops a new continuous cough or high temperature, you must now all self-isolate at home for 14 days.
Those with underlying health conditions are asked to shield themselves from social contact for three months.
Schools remain open but pregnant woman are included in the COVID-19 ‘at risk’ group.
Major airlines announce plans to ground all flights and various shops shut at Ashford Designer Outlet.
Sevenoaks School announces a pupil has been diagnosed with coronavirus, as one more case is confirmed in the county to bring the total to 14.
University of Kent scraps face-to-face lectures and moves teaching online.
Confirmed UK cases: 1,543
Confirmed UK deaths: 55
March 17
Eight more cases are confirmed in Kent as the total rises to 22.
Businesses respond to the previous evening’s announcement with the likes of the Orchard Theatre in Dartford and the Marlowe in Canterbury and Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone suspending shows.
Dreamland Margate announces it will not open at Easter with an eye ahead to a summer return.
Schools continue to be affected with Aylesford School, Rainham School for Girls, Chatham’s Holcome School partially shutting, while Twydall Primary School in Gillingham closes for a deep clean after being linked with four suspected cases of coronavirus.
In Folkestone, The New Surgery closes for a week for a deep clean and Market Square and Luben restaurants operate a safe-distance dining policy.
Meanwhile, a restaurant owner in Thanet fears for their future after the government announcement falls short of an outright ban.
On the M25, eerie photos emerge of a disturbingly quiet motorway.
McDonald’s closes all of its seating areas and bans physical contact between customers and employees, as supermarkets alter their opening hours to give staff more time to clean and fully re-stock their shelves.
Confirmed UK cases: 1,950
Confirmed UK deaths: 71
March 18
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Boris Johnson announces schools will shut from Friday, March 20, until further notice.
Exams set for May and June are cancelled but plans are laid out to continue school for children of key workers
The number of confirmed cases rises to 25 as supermarkets impose further restrictions to limit panic buying.
A deli in Sevenoaks lays off staff after the government announcement that people should avoid going to restaurants and Herne Bay High School also partially shuts.
Confirmed UK cases: 2,626
Confirmed UK deaths: 103
March 19
While the widespread reports of panic buying and hoarding were saddening, hearts are warmed by showings of kindness from the most selfless in our communities.
That includes the likes of Dawn Stanford, a mum-of-four, who runs Nourish food bank in Tunbridge Wells.
In supermarkets, more items continue to be restricted, while scores of shops at Bluewater close for the foreseeable future.
However, independent traders like Walmer Court Farm Shop in Dover sees an increase in business.
The number of confirmed cases in Kent rises by eight to 33.
Confirmed UK cases: 3,269
Confirmed UK deaths: 144
March 20
(Image: Google Streetview)
The first death from COVID-19 in Kent is confirmed.
The 64-year-old man from Gillinghamdied at Medway Maritime Hospital on March 19.
Boris Johnson orders the majority of businesses and venues to shut until further notice.
This includes food and drink venues, pubs, bars and clubs, cinemas, theatres, concert and bingo halls, spas, indoor leisure centre, gyms, casinos, betting shops, museums and galleries.
Concerns are raised about the potential level of unemployment, particularly those in the service industry.
The NHS Heroes campaign is launched for members of the public to show their appreciation for our nation’s health workers.
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust advertise for additional staff to bolster their bank workfroce, as Zorba Meze Grill visits Pembury Hospital to deliver 100 free meals to those on the late shift.
Southeastern announces a reduced timetable but core early morning and late evening service will continue to run.
The number of cases in Kent reaches 43.
Confirmed UK cases: 3,983
Confirmed UK deaths: 177
March 21
(Image: Twitter)
The number of cases in Kent rises by 13 to 56.
A prominent Kent radiologist takes to Twitter to express concern over the lack of protection for NHS staff.
Dr Aidan Shaw, a consultant interventional radiologist at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals, says that out of his team ‘four radiologists are down’ and one ‘likely has’ coronavirus.
The government makes clear to stockpiling shoppers there is no shortage of food, carrier bag fees are waived, supermarkets share trucks to deliver food to home, and delivery curfews are set to be relaxed.
There are also additional changes to opening times and rationing restrictions.
Confirmed UK cases: 5,018
Confirmed UK deaths: 233
March 22
Vulnerable people at very high risk of serious illness from the virus are told told they will receive a letter in the next week, informing them they should stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact for at least 12 weeks.
The number of cases rises by three to 59.
There is public outrage as as pictures emerge of large crowd of people in Whitstable gathering outside a pub, using its take out drink service.
The Whitstable Oyster Company apologises for any offence caused and pledges to donate takings to the national emergencies trust coronavirus appeal.
Pictures are also taken of Dover, Folkestone, and Herne Bay also packed with people, as the government warns further social distancing measures might be necessary.
Confirmed UK cases: 5,683
Confirmed UK deaths: 281
March 23
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Boris Johnson announces strict lockdown measures, meaning people can only leave their house for a few reasons.
That includes shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible, exercising once a day, alone or with your household, travelling to work if absolutely necessary, or providing medical help to a vulnerable person.
The government closes shops selling non-essential goods, as well as places of worship, stopping gatherings of more than two people, and all social events, including weddings but not including funerals..
They are set to last for at least three weeks and are enforcable by police.
The new rules spark a flood of questions on grey areas, like what to do if your car is due an MOT during the lockdown.
McDonald’s closes all chains at 7pm, sparking massive queues of people desperate for one last fix.
More reports emerge of scammers impersonating NHS workers and knocking on doors giving out testing kits.
Confirmed UK cases: 6,650
Confirmed UK deaths: 335
March 24
(Image: Ian Scammell)
The number of confirmed cases rises to 91.
The lockdown coincides with the start of a glorious week on sunshine.
There are reports police have started pulling vehicles over as police enforce rigorous plans to keep people indoors as much as possible during the outbreak.
Clarifications continue to be made about the working practicalities of the lockdown, with focus on whether partners living separetely can see each other during the lockdown and on children with separated parents.
People continue to come up with ingenious ways to safely interact with people who are self-isolating, like 10-year-old Harry Keefe from Ramsgate, who wanted to get supplies to his granddad.
Confirmed UK cases: 8,077
Confirmed UK deaths: 422
March 25
A woman from Herne Bay goes viral after attempting to go shopping in a Zorb ball.
The number of confirmed cases in Kent rises by 30 to 121.
The Kent County Show, set for July, is cancelled.
The annual festival takes place on the Kent County Agriculture Society site on Detling Hill and has been running since 1923.
Details come out of how Royal Mail are adapting to deliver post more safely.
A pregnant mum from Herne Bay posts a sobering video warning for the public from her hospital bed, after testing positive for the virus.
Tighter rules are also imposed by supermarkets.
Confirmed UK cases: 9,529
Confirmed UK deaths: 463
March 26
(Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)
There are now 144 confirmed cases of coroanvirus in Kent after a rise of 23.
Further details are released about upping the contactless limit to £45 to make it easier to spend money safely.
Details are announced on rescue package for self-employed workers.
But, those who are eligible for this package will not get the money until June.
Confirmed UK cases: 11,658
Confirmed UK deaths: 578
March 27
Kent experiences it’s biggest daily leap in confirmed coronavirus cases.
The figure rises by 86 to 230.
Chiquito announces all restaurants in the UK will remain permanently closed after the chain is put into administration.
In Canterbury, 57 rooms at Travelodge are given over to accommodate the homeless.
A couple due to get married at Hadlow Manor Hotel in Tonbridge celebrate their wedding day by getting dressed up and partying behind closed doors in self-isolation.
They had been planning their wedding for two years.
Confirmed UK cases: 14,543
Confirmed UK deaths: 759
March 28
(Image: PA)
NHS England Medical director Professor Stephen Powis gives a grim forecast about the UK’s coronavirus outlook.
He says the UK will have “done very well” if fewer than 20,000 people die from coronavirus.
In Kent, the number of people to have tested positive rises to 280.
The pregnant mum from Herne Bay who was posted a video warning to others announces she is being discharged from hospital.
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Roy Ives, a 76-year-old reitred postie from High Halstow near Rochester also recovers from the virus.
His family were told to prepare for the worst but he pulled through and thanked the “angels” at the NHS for saving his life
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Confirmed UK cases: 17,089
Confirmed UK deaths: 1,019
March 29
(Image: Geograph)
Seven deaths are confirmed in Kent hospitals.
They are announced in the government’s daily update and have taken place over the last week.
One death was confirmed at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, four at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and two at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.
They are broken down in the following ways:
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Confirmed new deaths: 1
Date: March 25
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Confirmed new deaths: 4
Dates: March 25, March 26, March 26, March 27
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Confirmed new deaths: 2
Dates: March 22, March 27
The total number of confirmed cases in the county now stands at 310.
A 23-year-old woman from Rusthall with cystic fibrosis shares her experiences of dealing with the outbreak.
While most of us will be stuck at home, a mini-heatwave is projected for the Easter weekend.
Confirmed UK cases: 19,522
Confirmed UK deaths: 1,228
March 30
(Image: NHS)
Nine new coroanvirus deaths at Kent hospitals are confirmed by the government.
They are broken down in the following ways:
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
Confirmed deaths: 1
Date: March 25
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Confirmed deaths: 6
Dates: March 25, March 26, March 27 (2), March 28, March 29
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Confirmed deaths: 6
Dates: March 18, March 22, March 24, March 27 (2), March 29
Medway NHS Foundation Trust
Confirmed deaths: 3
Dates: March 20, March 25 (2)
The total number of cases in Kent reaches 368.
Confirmed UK cases: 22,141
Confirmed UK deaths: 1,408
